Introduction to Hexagram Shan Feng Gu
In the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching, hexagram 18, Shan Feng Gu (Mountain over Wind), carries profound contemporary relevance. Its lower trigram is Xun (Wind), and its upper trigram is Gen (Mountain). The image of wind blowing beneath a mountain, blocked and stagnant, symbolizes decay and internal disorder. The Chinese character "Gu" originally refers to rotten food that breeds worms, implying corruption and decay from within.
Structure and Meaning
The hexagram follows Sui (Following), based on the principle that blind conformity without correction leads to ruin. The Judgment says: "Gu: Great success. It furthers one to cross the great river. Three days before the beginning, three days after." This emphasizes careful deliberation before and after action.
The name "Gu" simultaneously denotes decay and the act of repairing what has decayed. Therefore, this hexagram is not purely negative; it contains the opportunity for renewal and restoration.
Philosophical Lessons
Decay is Inevitable in Cyclical Change
The hexagram teaches that after prosperity, all things may fall into stagnation or rot. This is a natural law. The key is not to complain or escape but to face reality and find ways to revitalize.
Repair Must Address Root Causes
The image of wind blocked by a mountain shows suffocation and deadlock. To resolve issues, one cannot merely treat symptoms; one must trace the deep causes. Whether in a family, organization, or nation, signs of decline require examining the foundational principles and operational methods.
Caution and Decisiveness Go Hand in Hand
The Judgment's phrase "three days before and after" stresses thorough consideration of timing, method, and consequences before taking action. Reform must not be hasty, but neither can it be delayed indefinitely.
Applications in Modern Life
In Work and Organizations
When a company or project falls into crisis, Gu advises leaders to calmly analyze root causes: outdated processes, weak team cohesion, or flawed strategy. "Repairing the Gu" demands vision, patience, and the ability to inspire collective change.
In Relationships and Family
Prolonged conflict in a family is a form of "Gu." The lesson is to avoid blaming circumstances and instead examine communication and behavior. Repair starts with oneself, through listening and empathy.
In Personal Growth
Individuals often have habits or mindsets that cause stagnation. Gu reminds us to courageously acknowledge shortcomings and be willing to change outdated patterns for self-improvement.
Conclusion
Shan Feng Gu is not a bad omen but a warning and an encouragement. When facing obstacles, view them as signals to awaken and start a better cycle. Success in this hexagram comes only to those who accept reality, dare to correct mistakes, and act wisely.
As researcher Nguyen Vu Tuan Anh emphasized, the I Ching is not merely an ancient theoretical system but a treasury of wisdom that illuminates modern life. The Gu hexagram is a clear testament to that.
Quick-Reference Table: Hexagram Work on What Has Been Spoiled
| Aspect | Content |
|---|---|
| King Wen number | 18 |
| Chinese name | 蠱 |
| Symbol | ䷑ |
| Vietnamese name | Sơn Phong Cổ |
| Upper trigram | Gen (Mountain), Earth element, Northeast |
| Lower trigram | Xun (Wind), Wood element, Southeast |
| Six lines, first line at the bottom | 1st yin, 2nd yang, 3rd yang, 4th yin, 5th yin, 6th yang |
| Image | Wind halted below the mountain: what sits too long decays. |
| Reading | Matters long left unattended that now need putting right. The classics treat it as a time to repair the root rather than patch the surface. Recognizing the fault is most of the repair. |
*Số liệu trong bảng khớp với kết quả các công cụ tra cứu trên Nhật Nguyệt.*